Saturday, April 6, 2013

Interview with Alainna Sarver

Bonjour Beardies,

I am excited to bring you the first of two interview posts to introduce our two new Guest Scribes. The first, Alainna Sarver, is a fellow Alma College alumnus and bibliophile. The second, Hannah Lesniak, is Elizabeth's colleague and friend; her interview and introduction post, presented by Elizabeth, will follow soon.

Alainna has been a Beardie for several months now, but it was her Goodreads updates that prompted me to invite her to the blog. With every post, it seemed, was a new book she was currently reading, and so, with a quick message via Facebook, the invitation was submitted. She was hesitant at first, doubting her writing talents, but I convinced her that I would help every step of the way. Also, upon reading her bio, I have no doubt in my mind that she was downplaying her writing ability.

So, without further ado, here are 10 Questions with Alainna:

The Bearded Scribe: We both attended Alma College together, as did two other members of our team, Elizabeth and Sara.... What was your fondest memories of the years spent there?

Alainna: I loved my time at Alma. My 4.5 years there were some of the best in my life. I met Elizabeth and Sara when I joined Sigma Alpha Iota, a woman's music fraternity, on campus my sophomore year. We all lived on the same quad in Bruske as well. So any memories of anything we did as sisters stay with me. Playing I the orchestra during Nutcracker and the Masterworks concerts with the choirs. Seeing just how long before they would kick us out of SAGA after lunch or dinner was over. Going to Bennigan's for your birthday and getting a free brownie Sunday. And of course, the many weekends when we ate at the Chinese buffet or El Maguey's. Good times!

The Bearded Scribe: What influenced your decision to pursue a career in education?

Alainna: It was a mixture of the teachers I had in school that were great and my love of learning. I wanted to have the same influence on children as my teachers had on me growing up. I love books and I love learning new things. I want my students to grow up to be life long learners and to understand that learning doesn't end when you graduate high school.

The Bearded Scribe: What grade—or grades—do you teach?

Alainna: I teach Kindergarten, a.k.a. "The Little People". I've been teaching for 8 years now, 7 of which have been in Kindergarten. I've recently applied to start my Masters degree in Reading Education and I hope in 3-4 years to be a Reading Specialist.

The Bearded Scribe: What's your favorite part about being a teacher?

Alainna: Their eagerness and excitement about so many things. The smallest things are amazing to them. Also, the funny things they say; they have no filter. To give you a taste, I had a student one year tell me, "I feel like a chicken." I think I replied, "Really? Do you feel like this all the time or some of the time?" I should write a book.

The Bearded Scribe: Do you have an absolute favorite speculative book?

Alainna: I would say it's a toss up between Harry Potter and The Hunger Games. They were both series unlike anything I had ever read before. Before these books, I mainly read historical fiction along with the stuff they make you read in school. That is something I love about books; the ability to pull you in to this other world that has been created and make it feel absolutely real.

The Bearded Scribe: An absolute favorite non-speculative title?

Alainna: Anne of Green Gables. I have fond memories of watching the movies with my mom and was very eager to finally start reading them at the end of elementary school. Anne Shirley is one of strongest role models out there in literature for young girls; she doesn't give up her personality or beliefs just because society says she is not "proper." She makes smart girls cool.

The Bearded Scribe: When did your love affair with books begin?

Alainna: Books have been with me my entire life. I would even say it started in the womb, as my mom would read to me while she was pregnant. My earliest memories, though, are going to the library at 5 or 6 and checking out Beverly Cleary books, like Beezus and Ramona, or Judy Blume. Of course, I would also check out Garfield or Calvin and Hobbes comic books, but that's still reading, right?

The Bearded Scribe: The Bearded Scribe is all about Speculative Fiction, which encompasses several sub-genres (you can view the blog's 'Quiddity of Speculation' section, under the 'Special Features' tab, for a complete list). Which sub-genre(s), would you say, is (are) your favorite(s) to read?

Alainna: Dystopian and Post-Apocalyptic would be my favorites. Most of the books that I read fall under those sub-genres along with Young Adult fiction. I just recently finished the Delirium trilogy by Lauren Oliver and the Chemical Garden series by Lauren DeStefano. I'm eagerly awaiting the final book in the Divergent series this fall. I also occasionally read Alternate History, Historical Fantasy, and Paranormal Romance.

The Bearded Scribe: Besides reading, what are some of your other hobbies?

Alainna: I love to bake. My KitchenAid stand mixer is one of my best friends. I've also recently started an interest in photography, which comes in handy when my fiancé and I travel, since it's a hobby we share together. I love learning about history and the library is my friend whenever I want to find out more. Living 5 minutes from the beach is great as well!

The Bearded Scribe: Do you have anything else you'd like to share with the readers that I have not asked you?

Alainna: I'm excited to be asked to contribute to this blog. I love to read, but have never considered myself much of a writer. So please be gentle as I start my first reviews. I can't wait to get started! Thank you Alainna, for taking the time to answers these questions! We're looking forward to reading about all the great books you are reading! To read more about Alainna, visit her bio page! Also, please be sure to give her a warm welcome on our Facebook Page!